Hesperantha Cucullata

Description

In spring, as a rule, three to eight starry white flowers per spike, all with a brown or red reverse, open in late afternoon or evening, with a delicious perfume of jasmine or frangipani. The perfume persists right throughout the night until next morning. Very much resembling a dwarf "schizostylis", this rare and beautiful flower is found on sandy and shale slopes in the western Karoo and the northwest Cape from the BokkeveldPlateau to the Biedouw valley. In cultivation a sunny, free draining situation suits best.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds at any time, covering them very thinly with compost or grit, keeping the seed pot in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination so be very patient as many species will only germinate in the spring after chilling or freezing in the moist seed pot in the winter. Grow on individual seedlings in small pots until of sufficient size to be potted on or planted out into the open ground.

Key Facts